COSTAATT
College of Science, Technology & Applied Arts of Trinidad & Tobago

SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR
The Senior Policy Advisor will perform highly advanced (senior level) policy and research work and serve as liaison between COSTAATT and industry stakeholders, including Government Ministries and Departments, Chambers of Commerce and business partners, and other tertiary education institutions locally, regionally and internationally Work involves planning and performing detailed research and developing the framework regarding policy issues and other issues impacting COSTAATT and/or the tertiary education industry The Senior Policy Advisor will work under the guidance of the President, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:

• Serve as lead staff person representing COSTAATT at industry stakeholder meetings involving higher education issues.

• Plans and coordinates inter-agency projects.
• Assists in formulating and reviewing policies related to higher education, to ensure COSTAATT’s continued alignment with changes in
  the tertiary education industry, both locally and internationally :

• Serves as a COSTAATT resource for policy intersection between government ministries and departments as well as programmes and other services provided by the state.
• Collects, organizes, analyzes and prepares material in answer to requests for information and reports.
  Researches, coordinates and/or prepares reports and informational material for internal distribution to the Board of Trustees/Executive Team or external distribution to ministries and other government bodies

• Monitors government policy as it pertains to higher education/tertiary education.
• Prepares position papers on higher education matters for dissemination to key stakeholders.
• Develops and maintains detailed knowledge of COSTAATT’s programmes, rules and regulations. Communicates information regarding programmes including impact of proposed policies
• Participates in activities, meetings at government ministries, departments related to COSTAATT and higher education.
• Works on special projects and performs other duties as required.

The Person
The successful candidate will have:

• Post graduate qualifications in higher education or policy development.

• Extensive experience in higher education, with at least seven years in a senior administrative position in a University/College environment.
• Policy research experience in related field including but not limited to higher education/tertiary education
• Experience in planning and implementing major research projects.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to plan and perform complex research and analysis related to public policy, especially as it impacts higher education.

• Excellent interpersonal ability and highly developed oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
• Ability to produce professional high quality reports and documents for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to creatively analyze policy issues from various perspectives, including programme implementation and impact.

Applications must be forwarded to:
Human Resource Coordinator (Planning and Employment)
COSTAATT, Central Administrative Services, 9-11 Melville Lane, Port of Spain
or via email to: hr@costaatt.edu.tt
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: NOVEMBER 14, 2008

We thank all candidates for applying. However, we will be unable to acknowledge unsuitable applications.